🎙️ Pakistan vs South Africa 2025: PCB Announces Star-Studded Commentary Panel
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed the commentary lineup for the highly anticipated Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test series, and it’s nothing short of spectacular! The two-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, begins on October 12 at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Fans across the cricketing world are in for a treat as legendary voices like Shaun Pollock, Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, and Aamir Sohail join the commentary box. Together, they bring experience, insights, and nostalgia to one of the most anticipated red-ball contests of the year.
🏏 Legendary Voices Return to the Mic
🌟 Shaun Pollock – South Africa’s Bowling Genius
The highlight of the panel is the return of Shaun Pollock, the former South African captain and one of cricket’s finest all-rounders. Having played five Tests in Pakistan during his illustrious career, Pollock’s deep understanding of subcontinent conditions adds immense value to the broadcast.
Pollock, known for his calm demeanor and analytical brilliance, has been one of the most respected voices in world cricket commentary. His ability to break down bowling strategies, assess pitch behavior, and discuss mental aspects of the game will enrich the broadcast experience for global audiences.
🇵🇰 Ramiz Raja – The Voice of Pakistan Cricket
Ramiz Raja, Pakistan’s former captain and one of the most recognizable voices in world cricket, makes his return to national commentary duties. With decades of experience both on and off the field, Raja has become synonymous with Pakistan’s cricketing narrative.
Raja’s sharp observations, storytelling, and unique humor make him a fan favorite. His ability to balance critique with patriotism ensures that fans get both insight and entertainment. Expect him to lead discussions on Babar Azam’s technique, Shan Masood’s captaincy, and Pakistan’s evolving Test strategy.
🔥 Waqar Younis – The King of Reverse Swing Speaks
No discussion of Pakistan cricket is complete without Waqar Younis, one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket history. His inclusion in the commentary team guarantees deep technical analysis, especially on bowling tactics and pitch management.
Waqar’s on-air chemistry with Pollock and Raja has always been engaging, mixing expertise with humor. Fans can expect valuable insights into the duel between Shaheen Afridi and Kagiso Rabada, two of the best modern-day fast bowlers.
🧠 Aamir Sohail – The Strategist Behind the Mic
Former Test opener Aamir Sohail brings a tactical and analytical edge to the panel. Known for his cricketing intellect and bold opinions, Aamir will offer deep breakdowns of batting techniques and team strategies.
He’s expected to focus on Pakistan’s top-order stability, assessing players like Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, while also discussing the impact of conditions in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
🎙️ Bazid Khan – The Modern Analyst
Adding youth and energy to the lineup, Bazid Khan, a former Test cricketer and current commentator, will connect modern viewers to analytical cricket. Bazid has earned global respect for his balanced and data-driven commentary, making him the perfect bridge between traditional storytelling and new-age analysis.
🎥 PCB PitchSide Studio with Zainab Abbas 💬
One of the standout features of this series will be the PCB PitchSide Studio, hosted by the dynamic Zainab Abbas. Known for her charisma and professionalism, Zainab will lead the pre-match, mid-innings, and post-match shows, featuring exclusive interviews and tactical discussions with the commentary team.
The PitchSide Studio will provide in-depth segments like:
- “Inside the Nets” – Pre-game analysis of players’ preparations.
- “Legends Lounge” – Candid conversations with Shaun Pollock, Waqar, and Ramiz.
- “Stats Zone” – Bazid Khan’s segment featuring match-winning numbers and heatmaps.
🇿🇦 South African Voices Join the Party
For the white-ball leg of the series (T20Is and ODIs), the PCB has included JP Duminy and Vernon Philander in the panel.
🔹 JP Duminy – The Modern Game Reader
Duminy’s experience in global franchise leagues brings valuable perspective. His expertise in discussing powerplay tactics, middle-order anchoring, and death-over strategies adds tactical depth.
🔹 Vernon Philander – The Seam Maestro
Philander’s calm and technical approach will offer sharp insight into swing conditions in Pakistan, where even minor variations can define a game.
🏟️ Full Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Schedule 📅
- 1st Test: October 12–16 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 2nd Test: October 20–24 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- T20I Series: October 28 – November 1 (Rawalpindi & Lahore)
- ODI Series: November 4–8 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
This marks South Africa’s first Test series in Pakistan since 2021, when the hosts secured a 2–0 victory. The tour also signals the start of Pakistan’s 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship campaign.
🔍 Pakistan’s Test Squad Breakdown 🇵🇰
The Pakistan squad looks well-balanced, blending experienced campaigners with exciting new faces.
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Key Batters: Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel
- Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Rohail Nazir
- All-rounders: Salman Ali Agha, Asif Afridi
- Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan
The biggest talking point is Babar Azam’s resurgence as the anchor of Pakistan’s batting unit. His form against pace and spin in home conditions could decide the series.
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Test Squad Overview
- Captain: Aiden Markram
- Batters: David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Dewald Brevis
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen
South Africa’s squad is a mix of youth and experience, with Markram leading a dynamic team that features explosive players like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs.
🧩 Expert Insights & Expectations
🌤️ Conditions in Pakistan
Early October in Pakistan usually offers batting-friendly pitches with dry surfaces assisting spinners later in the match. The Gaddafi Stadium wicket is known for consistent bounce, while Rawalpindi often favors fast bowlers early on.
🧱 Tactical Battle
The contest is expected to be a classic pace vs spin duel — Rabada and Jansen challenging Pakistan’s batters, while Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali test South Africa’s temperament.
🔥 Key Matchups
- Babar Azam vs Kagiso Rabada – Class vs aggression
- Shaheen Afridi vs Aiden Markram – Swing vs technique
- Saud Shakeel vs Keshav Maharaj – Patience vs precision
📰 Broadcast Experience: A Treat for Viewers 🌍
The PCB’s revamped coverage will ensure fans enjoy HD visuals, drone footage, mic’d-up players, and analytical graphics. The commentary team’s diverse expertise guarantees an engaging mix of nostalgia and modern cricket talk.
With Shaun Pollock’s calm analysis, Waqar’s technical breakdowns, Aamir’s strategic calls, and Ramiz’s energy, the series promises top-tier storytelling from the box.
🧠 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
At Cricketory, we believe that the Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test series is far more than a routine bilateral contest — it’s a statement series for both sides. Here’s our exclusive breakdown:
🔍 Pakistan’s Evolution Under Shan Masood
This series marks Shan Masood’s first major Test challenge since assuming full-time captaincy. Unlike previous years when Pakistan relied heavily on individual brilliance, Masood’s leadership focuses on process-driven cricket — controlling sessions rather than chasing momentum.
Cricketory analysts note that Pakistan’s batting lineup, anchored by Babar Azam and supported by Saud Shakeel, is now more technically resilient than in 2022–23. Expect longer partnerships and slower collapses, even against South Africa’s high-quality pace attack.
⚙️ South Africa’s Search for Subcontinental Consistency
South Africa has historically struggled in Asia, winning only a handful of Tests since 2015. However, the inclusion of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy gives them a rare three-pronged spin option — a deliberate tactical move.
Cricketory expects South Africa to rely heavily on Marco Jansen’s reverse swing and Rabada’s ability to hit the deck hard in Lahore. The key question remains: can their batters survive Pakistan’s spin web on days 4 and 5?
📊 The Statistical Edge
According to Cricketory’s compiled data:
- Pakistan has won 6 of their last 7 home Tests.
- Babar Azam averages 69.8 at home since 2022, one of the best globally.
- South Africa’s top four average only 26.5 in Asia over the past decade.
These stats underline how much of an uphill climb South Africa faces in Pakistan’s spin-friendly conditions.
🌡️ The Psychological Factor
Pakistan enters this series with confidence, having recently drawn against Australia in Perth. Meanwhile, South Africa arrives with unfinished business — their loss in 2021 still stings.
Cricketory believes that mental composure will define the first Test. If Pakistan dominates early sessions in Lahore, South Africa could find themselves under sustained pressure throughout the tour.
🏁 Cricketory Final Verdict
The Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 series is shaping up as a high-intensity, strategy-driven showdown. With a dream commentary panel, world-class players, and modern broadcasting, it perfectly blends nostalgia and innovation.
Cricketory predicts a 1–0 victory for Pakistan, with Babar Azam leading from the front and Abrar Ahmed emerging as the standout bowler.
The only certainty?
Every ball, every spell, and every word from the commentary box will remind fans why Test cricket remains the sport’s purest form.
🧩 Key Takeaways
- Expect spin to decide the second Test in Rawalpindi.
- Ramiz Raja and Waqar Younis’s commentary will emphasize Pakistan’s “Test culture rebuild.”
- South Africa’s young guns like Dewald Brevis could be the X-factor if they adapt quickly.
- Viewers can expect world-class broadcast innovation from PCB, setting new standards in regional cricket production.
🏆 What This Means for Pakistan Cricket
This series is more than just another contest — it’s the beginning of a new Test era under Shan Masood, a phase focused on rebuilding and consistency. Having iconic commentators narrate this journey amplifies its importance.
It’s also a significant commercial opportunity for the PCB, as the Pakistan vs South Africa series is set to draw millions of digital viewers across YouTube, PTV Sports, and ICC TV.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does the Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test series start?
A: The first Test begins on October 12, 2025, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second Test in Rawalpindi on October 20, 2025.
Q2. Who are the main commentators for the series?
A: The star-studded commentary team includes Shaun Pollock, Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, Aamir Sohail, Bazid Khan, and Zainab Abbas (as host of the PitchSide Studio).
Q3. What is special about PCB’s 2025 broadcast setup?
A: The PCB PitchSide Studio introduces advanced features like drone visuals, mic’d-up players, live data overlays, and interactive graphics — elevating Pakistan’s cricket coverage to international standards.
Q4. Who are the key players to watch in this series?
A: From Pakistan: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Saud Shakeel.
From South Africa: Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Dewald Brevis.
Q5. Where can fans watch the Pakistan vs South Africa series live?
A: Fans can catch the series live on PTV Sports, A Sports, and digital platforms like YouTube (PCB Channel) and ICC.tv, with global commentary in English and Urdu.
Q6. What’s at stake for both teams?
A: The series contributes crucial points to the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. For Pakistan, it’s about maintaining home dominance; for South Africa, it’s about proving adaptability in Asian conditions.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Voices That Define the Game 🎤
The Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test series is shaping up to be a cricketing spectacle both on and off the field. The PCB’s commentary lineup combines heritage, intellect, and entertainment — a dream team for any cricket fan.
With Shaun Pollock’s strategic insight, Ramiz Raja’s charisma, Waqar’s fire, and Zainab Abbas’s modern flair, this broadcast promises to be a masterclass in cricket storytelling.
Fans around the globe won’t just watch cricket — they’ll feel it through the voices of legends.